The Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG) is back at Lane Community College with hopes of mobilizing a chapter after a long break due to the pandemic. OSPIRG is a student-run and funded nonprofit with chapters at LCC and the University of Oregon that strives to give students the tools, training and resources they need to tackle different public interest issues.
The group is looking into issues regarding renewable energy, affordable higher education and food inequality which are just a few of the numerous campaigns OSPIRG has taken on.
“I feel like the mission of OSPIRG is really great in that it embodies the prioritization of putting students at the forefront of social change,” campus organizer for LCC and UofO Sophia Pascente said.
The group has made many victories in creating the positive change promised in their mission. Students won a campaign for 100% clean electricity in Oregon by 2040, they were successful in banning foam cups and takeout containers in Eugene and are assisting students in registering to vote.
OSPIRG is in the process of reestablishing the LCC chapter by going from classroom to classroom to talk about the goals and mission of the group. They have also set up booths in the past around campus to promote various campaigns.
Core meetings are now being held on Tuesdays from 3 to 4 PM in the basement in the Center Building. No previous experience with student advocacy is needed to join this group.
